Rory Dubin directly addresses camera:  I believe in the power of education, so much so that I have 24 National Association of Realtors designations and certifications and nine other certifications, such as the Realtors Commitment to Excellence endorsement. Does that sound overwhelming? Then start with just one.

I'm Rory Dubin, managing broker of Exit Real Estate Gallery in Jacksonville. Let's take five minutes and talk about how designations and certifications have boosted my real estate career. Even getting just one designation can raise the bar in real estate.

My local realtor association has more than 11,000 members, and one of the best opportunities to distinguish myself is through knowledge.

I make a point to get two or three new designations every year. But education is just one of the benefits to me. The power is being involved with the organizations that administer them. Their members are fiercely loyal to giving and receiving referrals from others who are a part of their network.

Not only that, the National Association of Realtors did a survey that found that realtors with designations make more money than those without. One of the first designations I earned was with the woman's Council of Realtors Performance Management Network, or PM in the referral network is active, and they provide many opportunities for online and in-person networking at state

and national meetings for members only. Similarly, I've been involved in and earned the Certified Residential Specialist or CRS designation. Again, the opportunity to network with like minded professionals is priceless. Within the last two years, I've close three referral transactions that came from agents I met through the woman's Council of Realtors, and in addition, I have five or

six houses under contract now, all new construction purely because I have the senior real estate specialist SRES designation. Over 90% of my business is from realtor referral, and my marketing budget is almost zero because of the relationships I've built with other designees over the years.

Here are some best practices. first, as you earn a designation and join a network, fill out the entire profile they offer by featuring your photo and providing information about your area of real estate practice and the geographic area you cover.

You make it easier for other real estate agents to find you when searching the designation and next join the organization's online group. Many have individual pages on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and when someone is looking for a realtor in a specific geographic area, they may posted to the social media page and you can quickly respond to the

request. It's an excellent way to get to know others by talking about professional topics and answering others questions. I also sign up for news, referral requests and tips from the networks that offer newsletters or daily digest that helps me keep track of what's going on and see how others are succeeding with the referral networks again quickly respond

to inquiries for an agent. You don't have to have as many designations as I do to find success. Be strategic about what designation you wish to earn. For example, working with retirees and seniors behooves you to get the SRES designation.

Now, Florida has a lot of military bases, so it makes sense to take the two day military relocation professional certification, or MRP, and if you specialize in global real estate. Start with CIPS, the Certified International Property Specialist designation.

Like anything, you can earn business by building a solid reputation. Be sure to answer your emails, follow through on your promises, and provide excellent service to consumers. And you will develop a referral pipeline over time tied to the credentials you've earned and their networks.